I love the history of Arcada Theatre. It opened in 1926 on Labor Day weekend (their 100th birthday is coming up!). I remember when I was a kid we went on a tour here and the tour guide talked about a few ghost stories and myths about Al Capone using this place as one of his hiding spots. He took us backstage and in the basement. It was one of the most memorable tours I've ever been on, and probably what triggered my love for historical tours. I used to come here as a kid to see movies too. I have a fond memory of seeing the Wizard of Oz here (which I remember being projected onto a screen), and their old concession stand. Back then, Arcada Theatre was pretty simple and they hadn't yet updated it to be what it is today. Seeing the changes done to it have been a little heartbreaking for me, but I do appreciate that the owner has tried his best to turn it into something fun and still on theme with 1920s vibe. Now, there is a huge focus on live shows and entertainment. It feels like over the past 5 years, the live entertainment here has exploded and become so much more popular than it's ever been. The theater now mostly looks like a concert venue with big stage lights, speakers, and screens. There are also multiple different restaurants on site. It's a little disappointing whenever I see slot machines at a business, especially one with so much history, but oh well. I came here recently because I saw on their website they do a Silent Film series every month and I thought it would be fun to see at a theatre that started out showing silent movies! They were playing The Kid starring Charlie Chaplin. Before the movie, I purchased a box of their popcorn for $6. There was a live organ player called The Phantom that played during the entire movie, which I enjoyed. Overall, the experience was good but during the movie, it started buffering for a couple minutes and when it started up again, you could see the bar at the bottom of the screen to press play lol--it definitely took away from the experience. read more

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The Arcada Theatre is a really cool place to go. It is old and historic in a good way. We were at the St. Charles History Museum when the docent told my husband and I that you can go in the theatre and ask for a tour. So that's what we did. It was a Tuesday afternoon when we went, so there were no shows going on. We were able to see the performance area, the balcony, and backstage areas. We also got to see the restaurants and bars on the upper levels of the theatre. Around every corner is another historic artifact or interesting thing to see. I can't wait to go back to see a show or eat at one of their restaurants. I highly recommend the Arcada Theatre! read more

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Bought tickets in early August for the 1pm Priscilla Meet and greet that occurred on 9/6/2026. Advertisement said it included a Q&A and Stories from Priscilla. Once there, realized they committed false advertising and just made everyone take a picture and leave. Stood in my seats with my Fiancé for 1.5 hours until it was our turn with no entertainment either. Supposedly they just moved her Q&A to the 6pm show which would require additional tickets. Still waiting for the refund the box office said would happen since they reduced the quality of the show and that services were not as advertised. read more

Incredible theater experience. I also appreciate that they have prioritized original music over cover bands. This is such a gem, everyone around me was excited, not only for the band, but they seem to genuinely enjoy the venue too. I found the seats to be reasonably priced, and the views even from the cheap seats that we purchased were completely fine since the venue is fairly small. I already bought tickets to return. Love this spot. read more

Arcada Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - St. Charles, Illinois

I am extremely disappointed with my experience at the Arcada Theatre and with the way I was treated by owner Ron Onesti. I attended an event advertised as a Q&A with Priscilla Presley, followed by a meet-and-greet. From the moment I arrived, the experience was disorganized and unprofessional. There were no signs or clear directions indicating where the event was being held, and when I tried to ask for help, I was completely ignored by two employees. I was then told by three other employees that there would NOT be a Q&A--even though that was how the event had been advertised. When Mr. Onesti came out, he instructed everyone not to "waste Priscilla's time" telling her that we were Elvis fans because, according to him, she already knows that. We were essentially told to take our picture and move on. As an Elvis fan who paid to attend this event, I found the way this was communicated very disappointing and disrespectful to the fans who were excited to meet Priscilla. I then asked Mr. Onesti directly about the advertised Q&A. He told me it would take place at 6:00 p.m., after the meet-and-greet. I simply pointed out that he might want to inform his employees of that, since three of them had told me there would be no Q&A. I also told him that two employees had ignored me when I first arrived and tried to find out where I was supposed to go. Instead of listening to a legitimate customer complaint or even attempting to address the confusion, Mr. Onesti told me that I was the problem. I found that response EXTREMELY rude and completely unacceptable from the owner of a venue. When I challenged the way he was speaking to me, rather than trying to resolve the situation professionally, he had security escort me out. As a result, I never even got the opportunity to meet Priscilla Presley--the entire reason I attended the event. I also came away with the distinct impression that Mr. Onesti does not like being questioned, particularly by a woman. Regardless of whether he agreed with my complaint, there was absolutely no reason to treat a paying customer this way simply for asking questions and pointing out that his own employees were giving guests conflicting information. What should have been a special experience for an Elvis and Priscilla Presley fan turned into an upsetting and humiliating one. Customer service starts at the top, and based on the way I was treated by the owner himself, I cannot recommend the Arcada Theatre. I will not attend another event there, and I would strongly encourage others to think twice before spending their money at a venue where a customer can be removed simply for questioning poor communication and poor treatment. Extremely disappointing. read more

The Theater is beautiful . staff is great Security is great . We went to a Q&A meet and Greet with Priscilla Presley Yesterday. Ms. Presley was wonderful very kind and genuine and apologized for the venues lack of organization. read more

We finally had an opportunity to a Q&A Meet & greet with Priscilla Presley on 9/6/2026. Being a huge Elvis Presley fan, we were thrilled. They brought her on stage at 1pm., and the owner said we could ask any question as she was up for it. The stage had 2 chairs on it where we believed she would sit, talk to the audience, answer questions. After her introduction, they brought her off the stage for pictures and autographs. We thought that was a bit odd to do pics & autographs first, but ok, she will do the Q&A afterwards. Our disappointment came around 215pm when the staff announced they were going to have to wrap up the pics & autographs as she was scheduled to be in the parade at 3pm. WHAT?!?!. And told us we needed to come back for her 430 event. The audience, including my husband and I were furious. The staff members, who by the way, NONE of them were at all friendly, seen how angry the audience was, allowed us to get the pics taken, but said no more autographs can be given as they needed Priscilla outside for the parade. Priscilla was so gracious to everyone and when I finally got a chance to meet her for 30 seconds, she apologized to me as to how this event took a turn for the worst. If she was to appear in a parade at 3pm, why on earth would they have scheduled her for a meet & greet at 1pm? So very unorganized, and whoever created that schedule, should be fired. I see now how the theatre could stay in business as long as they have, it's because they take your money and don't provide the service you paid for. And Priscilla Presley was an angel during the fiasco, and so warm and wonderful to the audience. Hopefully we can meet her again in the future and have a real meet & greet show, and hear her stories of her life before, during and after Elvis. read more

Very good small venue to see / hear music you love. No hassle of driving into the city. Parking easy. Ladies restrooms finally updated. Removed 1 star for making us stand for the national anthem before seeing Rick Wakeman. Felt very MAGA read more

Was here to see a local theatre production. The ushers were extremely friendly. The seats were comfortable and I felt we had a good view of the stage even sitting on the side. read more

Food was good Service was good Too loud We had big group and we were seated To the right of the stage near speakers read more

The Arcada Theater is Amazing they have great Performers for every age great seats wherever you seat plus all the workers are very great helpful. And Ron Onesti is the best he talks to you like he knows you for Years with a great Smile you won't be Disappointed and you will see a great show read more

We were so excited to go experience the Sinatra Sundays dinner at this place. It was really something we looked forward to. The prefix menu was good everyone enjoyed their food but at $60 a person I expect more of an ambiance. They had packed way too many people into the space. Given that it was on the second floor if there was a fire there would definitely be casualties. One of the wait staff kept aggressively pushing our table out of the way so she could get through which made for a very stressful situation. To add insult to injury they charge a fee to use a credit card. Although the idea of this was really great, who doesn't like the idea of Old Chicago, the experience failed. read more

I've seen 3 concerts at this location and I have to say it is excellent. The food and drinks were perfect. Bathrooms were very clean and it's a very nostalgic place to visit read more

Arcada Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - St. Charles, Illinois

Went to see Kenny G tonight. Kenny was amazing but Arcada needs a cell phone policy. At least six people in front of us had their cell phones on videotaping the entire show! Annoying and distracting. Sat in the balcony and people stood behind us talking. An usher was whistling and yelling "go Kenny". Disappointed read more

If you are coming here for comfortable seats and legroom then this is not your venue. The staff is friendly. The theater has good acoustics. The whole upcoming lineup seems to be cover bands which are now known as tribute bands I guess. We had fun because Credence Revived has some great musicians. There were clearly some people attending who had been overserved but they were being watched by security. I had my eye on the nearest exit. read more

Arcada Theatre - Credence Clearwater Revisited tonight - Performing Arts Near Me - St. Charles, Illinois

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So have been to this theater, a couple times to see tribute bands in the last couple months. The theater is amazing and a must see with all the unique artifacts. For one of the events we tried dinner at the speakeasy before hand. Their signature chicken was amazing, but unfortunately, the potatoes were undercooked. I told our waiter and he brought some new potatoes and still were undercooked. The smaller size one were delicious but anything a little bigger were undercooked. I feel like that's a basic necessity for a chef to get down so was disappointed. Will go back for events there, but not sure I'd go back to that restaurant. read more

Arcada Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - St. Charles, Illinois

food here is great and the staff is super friendly. everyone there, jim & mike. the bartender and the cook! had a wonderful time and hope to get back over there soon. lots of free parking and love entertainment. read more

Arcada Theatre - the sliders - Performing Arts Near Me - St. Charles, Illinois

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We drove out to see Tab Benoit and his opening act Mathias Lattin. Both shows were great and so was the venue. I really enjoy smaller venues and Arcada does not disappoint. Drinks in the theater were reasonably priced and the theater itself is comfortable, the acoustics were fine. I'm a huge fan of smaller venues and the Arcada hits the mark. The theater is just on the east side of the Fox River and there are tons of dining and bar options within walking distance. There is also plenty of parking on both sides of the river, easy walking distance. Overall, a wonderful end of May night out and we look forward to doing it again. read more

We love to see shows here. It's a small intimate theater with a lot of history. Skip the bar upstairs and just get a drink downstairs before the show. It was cramped and the table was sticky. The beer was not fresh, couldn't finish it. Same beer downstairs was fine. read more

Thanks Ron Onesti and Daily Herald for the opportunity to see Abba Mania . The theater is a bit old, it was built in 1926. but has a bar and also a restaurant, Drink prices a bit high and there is a credit card surcharge. We sat on the main floor, second to last row and had an unobstructed view of the stage. The theater holds just under 1,000 guests. Ron Onesti kicked us of with an in person introduction and also was very proud to announce during the pandemic over 20 bathrooms were installed, apparently there used to be only one. Everyone was encouraged to visit the bathroom. Abba Manie- Canada were fantastic. The show was nonstop entertainment, including costume changes, dancing and unbelievable vocals. Throughout the evening the audience was on their feet or in their seat swaying and singing to the music. The sound system was excellent . We truly enjoyed the performance . read more

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Very special! Bob Hope and Bing Crosby tried out some of the bits for "Road to Morocco" here in the 1940s. And that's exactly the way I feel backstage with Ron Onesti (the gracious host) of this fine theater. It is like stepping back in time. OLD SCHOOL COOL FOOL. Step back... To a time when service mattered. To a time when people mattered. To a time when the show mattered. This venue is the real deal. This is one Mancow that HATES feeling like cattle in a herd at concerts. At any O Show (Onesti Show) the staff is to be courteous and kind to all that enter these enchanted venues. You WILL be treated well! This is where drummer Gene Krupa was busted smoking reefer. This is the theatre where David Niven lost (but later recovered) his index finger during an on stage duel w/ Basil Rathbone. This is where Frank Sinatra knocked up one of the Hungarian Hotsie Totsie Gabor sisters - as the legend goes. (That child was never born.) This is where the dapper Maurice Evans (Dr. Zaus of 1968's "Planet of the Apes") did Arthur Millers "Death of a Salesman" in full orangutan get-up. This is where a drunken Robert Fleischman (original lead singer of Journey) briefly mistook Chip Znuff for Pamela Anderson from the rear. (Oddly enough from behind these days they DO look almost identical!) This is where director Vincent Minelli secretly rehearsed w/ his drunken wife Judy Garland to get her in shape for "The Pirate." It is said in the basement workers fetching wine from the newly discovered wine cellar (w/ wine dating back to the 1870's) often hear a wheezing as if the horrific ghost of Charles (Matchgame '77) Nelson Reilly himself is playing pranks from beyond the grave. It is the best theatre I have found in over 14 states. (In the 15th state I found 1 better but why besmirch my review now?) I have sworn to the first part in affidavit form w/ 2 witnesses. I've had some of the best times of my life in this theatre and you will too. And you meet someone nice... The Baker Hotel has rooms nearby. read more

Arcada Theatre - The Ron Onesti. Italian. The greatest host since Toots Shorr ,Chef Hanz ,or Armando @ La Scarola. - Performing Arts Near Me - St. Charles, Illinois

Great Venue! This is the go to spot for entertainment and simple or exquisite meals. Go for an Amazing dinner! Not just on event days and times!! read more

the food is Awesome and the staff takes great care of you as well as the bartenders and their great drinks, but if you join the VIP FOR SHOWS dont expect much as they have their favorites that are also front and center and never have other seats or get added perks that other members don't receive. Definitely recommend the resturant for sure. Everyone is friendly there as well. read more

Arcada Theatre is a smaller concert venue in St. Charles, IL. It's very small and the venue seems a bit outdated but for what it's worth it's not a bad place to see a show. I believe it's operated by the same people that The staff are all friendly, there's multiple bar & bathroom locations throughout the theater, you'll have a pretty nice view of the stage wherever you sit and the sound is pretty good. I'd recommend seeing a concert here. read more

Arcada Theatre - Last In Line Concert 11/11/2022 - Performing Arts Near Me - St. Charles, Illinois

Great nostalgic theatre in St. Charles. Plenty of street parking. Two bars serving mixed cocktails,beer and wine. The seats are old and not very comfortable but you are close to the stage and the sound is great. From time to time they offer free tickets. Nice way to spend an evening in the burbs listening to classic rock music. read more

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There are so many off-putting elements about this place, not the least of which is the ostentatious waving of the flag while playing the national anthem. Using my country's song to promote their rickety music venue really rubs me the wrong way. As a military veteran's son, and as someone who worked at the VA hospital, this display set my teeth on edge. SHAME on the owners of this place using ignorant patriotism to hype their venue. I had someone throw something from the balcony hitting me on the head. I kind of lost my temper and the friendly, helpful security staff helped me de-escalate, and were thoroughly professional. So there's that. I won't be attending any shows there in the future, but I expect they'll not miss my business. read more

A great multi-use theater with fast pub food and fancier sit-down, a speakeasy, and all kinds of weekly happenings. Fun place. Sound is decent, and there is truly no bad seat in the house. read more

Arcada Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - St. Charles, Illinois

What a treat! Went to see the legendary Debbie Boone and her remarkable father Pat Boone at the historic Arcada theater in St. Charles, IL. It's a very interesting place which features iconic performers from the 60's, 70's and 80's. Debbie Boone has had an amazing career and her father Pat is extremely proud of her. Ron Onesti hosted the event and did a sit down interview with both of them. Pat described some encounters with Elvis, Shirley Jones, Marilyn Monroe and Anne Margaret. He sang two songs. It was an incredible experience. Pat was clearly moved sometimes. I would go there again. The place has no parking, but there is public parking nearby. read more

I went there tonight to see my favorite Band Stryper. I purchased second row seats in the balcony because I am somewhat handicapped and can't stand for long periods of time. I was Seated in Section 206 Row A Seat 1 right on the end. I thought I was in the first Row so I could sit and enjoy the show. But oh no there was a Row in front of me "FF". Who would have thought when you buy a ticket for Row A you would be in the first Row. However I didn't think it was a big deal because you wouldn't think that anyone seated in Row FF would need to stand. I was totally wrong! There were 2 drunk ass$&#@s right in front of me Seated in FF Seats 1 & 2. They were constantly standing and would not sit down. They were asked by several other people who were behind me to sit down but they refused. I asked the usher and she said she would get security but security did absolutely nothing! They are worthless! Security said there is no rule about standing at a concert so there was nothing they could do. I said but they are in the 1st Row! What do they need to stand for? Totally disrespectful drunk a-holes. The venue gave me the option of moving me to the main floor near the back, but everyone was standing on the main floor which I understand but what was the use since I had to stand the whole night anyway. I will never attend another event at this venue and would not recommend it to anyone. read more

Arcada Theatre - 2 A-Holes that refused to sit down. - Performing Arts Near Me - St. Charles, Illinois

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The venue was quaint. I will not comment on the performance which was time lost forever. I am sure the stage has seen its share of good and bad over the years. Unfortunately I did find the staff to be overall crappy with exception of one usher. The rest need to go back to the HOA or school board they came from to flex their self importance someplace other than here. The staff is why I likely will never return here. read more

This was our first visit to the Arcadia Theater. It's a nice theater in downtown St. Charles, IL. The theater itself is a semi-circle with a large orchestra section and balcony. We had excellent seats - 2nd row, center. The view of the stage and the performers could not have been better. Looking around, it is flat and not tiered like many orchestra sections. Others behind us had some difficulty seeing the stage. On the other hand, the balcony was tiered so everyone could see. Being in the front has advantages and disadvantages. First, as mentioned above, the view couldn't be beaten. This was my third time seeing this musician and it was amazing to be so close. But there are problems with the sound mixing when you are in the front. Since this artist is a drummer and led the band, he positioned his drum set right up front. I don't think an expert sound mixer could have fixed that. We heard the drums clearly. We had to strain some of the time to hear the other instruments and vocals. I certainly don't fault Arcadia for this. But when I visit next, I plan to get center balcony seats. I believe the sound would be best there. Of course, I bought a concert t-shirt. read more

IF being prodded and probed by a team of thugs claiming to be security guards at the Arcada entrance excites you, this joint is perfect for you, but be prepared. Personally, I have Never felt more violated at a music venue. A Crew of clowns claiming to be Onesti's hand picked guard dogs detain you at the door insisting on searching purse cavities, coat pockets, padding you down, Etcetera. We were already late for the show due to inclement weather and the lack of ANY nearby parking. Also, one guest in our Group was handicapped with MS relying on her cane and husband to literally stand and take a step. Nonetheless, they forced her off to the side fast food diner area so they could search her! Being detained this way at the front door was shocking, insulting and offensive to us all. We could hear that the show was starting so navigating to our seats with show in progress became even more difficult in the dark, and not fair to those already seated. A completely horrible experience. Never Again read more

This was my first time here I must say I had a blast. Rocking ravioli was so much fun. The staff really makes it. The buffet was awesome watching the parade from inside was great. I am going to go here every year. Great job!!! read more

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Came in to see the1977 tributes and were blown away by Focal Point. They said it was their first time at Arcada; sure hope it's not the last! They were AMAZING read more

Came to see Girls Night Out. The absolute worst show ever. The singing was so bad it physically hurt my ears. The microphones were too loud and sound bounced off them. So disappointing for expensive tickets. Spend your money on a nice dinner instead of tickets. The venue is lovely however. read more

I got tickets thru Vettix to see Trapt and the original singer of Saliva Josey Scott. The show was fantastic but the crowd was very small...maybe 250 people which was fine because it made the event very intimate. It's an old venue in the heart of downtown St Charlse which is to the west of Chicago but seemed to be in pretty good shape. There were 2 bars with a decent selection. No food except popcorn. Not much of a light show. The place maybe holds 2500 or so. They have alot of shows lined up and its a place worth checking out. read more

They have some nice shows there. The acoustics are nice. It's an old theater and needs some work but I understand that that is expensive. Saw a Steely Dan tribute band there, Deacon Blues. I had seen them many times before but this time they were off the rails. One of the main members was pretty drunk. My brother who had never seen them said that he would not go back to see them. I'm glad the theater is close, but their prices and fees have gone up so I'll be more selective about who I see there. read more

Very disappointed in Evil Woman ELO tribute band show 7 1. The show was nearly an hour late 2. We didn't pay to hear another guy sing to fill in that gap while we waited. Don't even know who he was. 3. Balcony was about 85 degrees. No A/C 4. Show finally started and after 2 songs the lead vocalist said, "Stop! I can't play like this it's too hot!" 5. He took a break and we left because since we were squeezed in like sardines sweating, we weren't sure how much longer we'd be sitting there waiting!! 6. Not worth the $140 we paid for 2 people. read more

LOVED LOVED LOVED this place! I came to see The Liverpool Legends- a Beatles tribute band- and had such an amazing time! I loved how spacious and warm and welcoming the main theatre felt. I liked the worn-out feel mixed with modern media like so many memories were made here. Seeing Priscilla Presley was surreal, and even more so seeing so many people "Come Together" and share a once in a life time experience going back in time to see The Beatles. read more

Arcada Theatre - Front of the theatre across the street - Performing Arts Near Me - St. Charles, Illinois

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It's amazing the level of talent that Ron Onesti is able to bring to this small local venue. My husband and I attend multiple shows here in a year, sometimes in a month! Sometimes you get the real deal, other times you get cover bands that AcTUALLY sound like the real deal! Drinks are a little pricey, food is good no matter if you're popping in for some toasted ravioli, or sitting down in the speakeasy for dinner. Love this place! read more